RBSE Sec Voc IT and ITeS key terms

The main chip that fetches, decodes and executes program instructions, performing arithmetic and logical operations and coordinating the other hardware units. Its speed is measured in clock cycles per second, such as gigahertz.

Volatile working memory that holds programs and data currently in use so the processor can reach them quickly. Its contents are lost when power is switched off, unlike storage devices that keep data permanently.

Non-volatile devices such as hard disks, solid-state drives and USB flash drives that keep files and programs permanently, even without power. Data is copied into RAM before it can be processed.

System software that manages hardware resources, runs applications, handles files and provides a user interface. Examples include Windows, Linux, macOS and Android, each offering file management and device control.

Small programs that maintain, protect or optimise a computer system, such as antivirus tools, disk cleanup utilities, backup programs and file compression tools. They support the operating system rather than performing user tasks directly.

Hardware that sends data into a computer or receives results from it. Keyboards, mice, scanners and microphones are input devices; monitors, printers and speakers are output devices, and touchscreens combine both roles.

The short suffix after the dot in a file name, such as .docx, .xlsx or .jpg, that tells the operating system which application should open the file and what kind of content it holds.

Application software for creating and editing text documents, with features for formatting, spell checking, tables, headers and mail merge. Files are usually saved in formats such as .docx or .odt.

A word-processing feature that combines one template document with a data source such as a spreadsheet or list, producing personalised copies for many recipients, each showing its own name or address.

The address of a cell formed by its column letter and row number, such as B7. Adding a dollar sign, as in $B$7, makes the reference absolute so it does not shift when a formula is copied.

A formula is an expression starting with = that calculates a value from cell references and operators. A function is a built-in named routine such as SUM, AVERAGE or IF that performs a preset calculation on given arguments.

A graphical representation of spreadsheet data, such as a column, pie or line chart, that makes trends and comparisons easier to see. Charts update automatically when the underlying cell values change.

A presentation template layer that stores the design, fonts, colours and placeholder positions applied to every slide. Editing the master updates all slides that use it, keeping a deck consistent.

A transition is the visual effect between one slide and the next, while an animation controls how individual objects such as text or images enter, move or exit within a slide.

A unique numeric label assigned to each device on a network so data packets can be routed to it. IPv4 addresses look like 192.168.1.10; IPv6 uses longer hexadecimal addresses.

The internet service that translates human-friendly domain names such as example.com into numeric IP addresses, so browsers can locate the correct server without users memorising numbers.

The full address of a resource on the web. It includes the protocol such as https, the domain name, an optional path and query string, for example https://example.com/page?id=5.

The standard markup language that defines the structure of web pages using elements and tags such as headings, paragraphs, lists, links and images. Browsers read HTML and render it visually.

Client software such as Chrome, Firefox or Edge that requests web pages from servers, interprets HTML, CSS and scripts, and displays the result. It also stores history, cookies and bookmarks.

A small text file a website stores in a browser to remember settings, login sessions or browsing behaviour. Cookies can raise privacy concerns, so browsers let users view and delete them.

A digital messaging service that sends text and attachments over the internet using addresses in the form user@domain. It uses protocols such as SMTP for sending and IMAP or POP3 for receiving.

The accepted rules of polite and responsible behaviour in online communication, such as avoiding all-capitals shouting, quoting only relevant text, respecting privacy and staying on topic in forums and email.

Software that creates, stores, queries and secures databases, handling concurrency, backup and access rights. Examples include MySQL, PostgreSQL, Oracle and Microsoft Access.

A field or combination of fields that uniquely identifies each record in a table. It cannot be duplicated or left empty, and it links tables together when used as a foreign key elsewhere.

A field in one table that refers to the primary key of another table, creating a relationship between them. It enforces referential integrity by preventing records from pointing to non-existent parents.

The process of organising tables to reduce duplicated data and update errors by splitting information into related tables. Each table should hold data about one entity and depend only on its key.

The standard language for working with relational databases. Statements such as SELECT, INSERT, UPDATE and DELETE retrieve or change data, while CREATE and ALTER define table structures.

A finite, ordered set of unambiguous steps that solves a problem or completes a task. Algorithms can be shown as pseudocode or flowcharts before being translated into a programming language.

A diagram that represents an algorithm using standard symbols: ovals for start and end, parallelograms for input and output, rectangles for processes and diamonds for decisions, joined by arrows showing sequence.

A structured, English-like description of an algorithm that uses programming ideas such as IF, WHILE and INPUT without strict syntax rules, making logic easy to plan and review before coding.

A variable is a named storage location whose value can change while a program runs. Its data type, such as integer, real, string or Boolean, decides what values and operations are allowed.

A construct that controls the order in which statements execute: sequence runs steps in order, selection chooses a path with IF or CASE, and iteration repeats steps with FOR or WHILE loops.

The practice of contracting an external provider to run a business process such as payroll, billing, help desk or data entry. It aims to cut costs, access specialist skills and focus on core activities.

Outsourcing of high-value work that needs judgement and expertise, such as research, analytics, legal review or financial modelling. It demands more qualified staff than routine BPO work.

A written contract between a service provider and a client that defines expected service quality, such as response times, uptime targets, resolution deadlines and penalties for failing to meet them.

A measurable value used to judge how well a process or employee meets its goals, such as average handling time, first-call resolution rate or customer satisfaction score.

Software and practices for recording customer details, interactions, complaints and sales history so staff can give consistent, informed service and build long-term relationships.

Fully concentrating on a speaker, noting both words and tone, then confirming understanding by paraphrasing or asking questions. It reduces errors and makes customers feel respected during support calls.

The ability to recognise and acknowledge another person's feelings and viewpoint. In customer service it means showing that a problem is understood before explaining facts or offering a solution.

The formal process of passing a customer issue to a more senior or specialised team when it exceeds the agent's authority, knowledge or the agreed resolution time, with a clear handover summary.

A fraud in which attackers send fake emails, messages or websites that imitate trusted organisations to trick people into revealing passwords, card numbers or clicking malicious links.

Malicious software designed to damage, disrupt or gain unauthorised access to a system. Types include viruses, worms, trojans, spyware and ransomware, which encrypts files and demands payment.

A login method that requires two or more independent proofs of identity, such as a password plus a one-time code or fingerprint, so a stolen password alone does not give access.

The process of converting readable data into scrambled ciphertext using a key, so only authorised parties can decrypt and read it. It protects data in transit and at rest.

A hardware or software barrier that inspects network traffic and blocks or allows it according to set rules, helping shield a device or network from unauthorised access and attacks.

The trail of data a person leaves online through posts, searches, comments and app usage. It can be viewed by employers and strangers, so it should be managed carefully.

Legal rights over creations of the mind, including copyright, trademarks, patents and designs. Downloading, copying or sharing software and media without permission may infringe these rights.

Software whose source code is published under a licence allowing anyone to use, study, modify and redistribute it. Examples include Linux, LibreOffice and the GIMP.

The process of spotting an opportunity, taking calculated risks and organising resources to create a product or service of value, usually through a new or growing business venture.

A one-page planning tool that summarises a venture across nine blocks, including customer segments, value proposition, channels, revenue streams and cost structure, to test and refine ideas quickly.

A young company, often technology-based, that seeks a repeatable and scalable business model under uncertainty. It usually tests a minimum viable product with early users before investing heavily.

A written summary of a person's education, skills, work experience and achievements, sent to employers when applying for a job. It should be accurate, concise and tailored to the role.

Personal qualities and interpersonal abilities such as communication, teamwork, time management, adaptability and problem solving. Employers value them alongside technical knowledge in almost every role.

Researching the employer and role, reviewing one's own experience, and rehearsing answers to common questions so a candidate can respond confidently and honestly, with examples and questions of their own.